Vetnews | Mei 2025 48 « BACK TO CONTENTS Educational challenges and solutions One key factor contributing to this shortage is the lack of options for veterinary education in South Africa, said Ndudane. According to Ndudane, currently only the University of Pretoria offers degrees in these critical fields, graduating around 150 veterinary surgeons and 30 veterinary nurses annually. This, combined with a global shortage of veterinarians, means South Africa’s skilled professionals are increasingly sought after internationally, she said. In light of these challenges, the SAVC has advocated for a second veterinary training faculty to address the urgent need for more veterinarians. Ndudane said several institutions, including the University of Fort Hare and the University of the Free State, have expressed interest in establishing new faculties. Additionally, she said a proposed private training institution, the Bronberg Veterinary School, could also help fortify the veterinary workforce. However, Ndudane cautioned that even with the establishment of new faculties, it would take years to produce new graduates. To bridge the immediate gap, she suggested easing the regulatory barriers for foreign-trained veterinarians wishing to work in South Africa. Enhancing the utilisation of Animal Health Technicians (AHTs) under revised legislation could also provide a much-needed boost to local veterinary capacities, she said. Despite being reinstated on the critical skills list in 2023, foreign veterinary professionals face significant challenges in relocating to South Africa, particularly delays in visa processing at the Department of Home Affairs, stated Ndudane, adding that at present, only about a dozen foreign-qualified veterinarians apply to work in the country each year. Dr Ndudane urged the government to streamline processes that would attract skilled foreign veterinarians while fostering a more conducive environment for local professionals. “We need to create a space where our veterinarians are willing to stay in South Africa, ensuring we have robust support for our local agricultural sector and public health,” she concluded. The broader implications of the shortage Paul van der Merwe, acting managing director of the South African Veterinary Association (SAVA), said this critical shortage of veterinarians poses significant risks to animal health, public health, and the agricultural sector. About 100 veterinarians leave South Africa annually, while only about 140 qualify, resulting in a net loss of professionals, he said. Van der Merwe said veterinarians often face challenging working environments, especially in rural areas where facilities are underresourced, and remuneration is low. “New graduates frequently find themselves in positions with limited access to necessary medical resources and support,” he said. He said the profession is also associated with high levels of stress and compassion fatigue, leading to burnout and, in some cases, a desire to leave the profession or the country. SAVA lists the far-reaching consequences the shortage of veterinarians has in SA: • Reduced veterinary services compromise the health and welfare of animals, both domestic and wildlife. • Veterinarians play a crucial role in monitoring and controlling zoonotic diseases like foot-and-mouth disease and avian influenza. • The agricultural sector relies heavily on veterinary services for livestock health and welfare, which directly affects food safety and security, and the economy. “Addressing this shortage is imperative to safeguard animal health and welfare, public health, and the stability of South Africa’s agricultural industry,” emphasised Van der Merwe. Livestock that was vaccinated for the foot-and-mouth disease in KwaZulu-Natal. Systemic challenges and recommendations Van der Merwe said this shortage is driven by a combination of systemic, economic, and professional challenges. He said many South African vets emigrate to countries like the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada where working conditions, salaries, and professional support are more favourable. Veterinarians also often face challenging working conditions in rural, under-resourced areas and state veterinary facilities, stated Van der Merwe. This includes poor infrastructure and lack of equipment, long hours with minimal support, and limited opportunities for professional development, which discourages young vets from entering or staying in public service or rural practice. The Competition Commissioner’s prevention of a fee guideline for veterinary services has further hindered fair remuneration, said Van der Merwe. “Veterinary remuneration does not compete with other health professionals with equal standing, especially taking into account that they deliver a comprehensive all-inclusive service,” he said. In South Africa, he said, the globally associated high levels of compassion fatigue, emotional stress, and burnout are amplified by resource constraints and isolation in rural posts. “Mental health challenges are contributing to early career exits and reluctance among students to enter the field.” Additionally, Van der Merwe said there are also bureaucratic and administrative hurdles. Issues that have been cited are delays in registration and licensing, particularly for foreign-trained vets and South African vets who study abroad, and complex regulatory requirements that discourage both local and foreign professionals. Regulars I Life plus 26
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